Late Runner Beans

I planted my runner beans back in May and after a very tramatic start thanks to the slugs eating them they have grown really well and are really lush. I have beans on them that are about 4 inches long and a lot more coming too.

As this is my first year at growing veg can I take it that they are late producing..is it ok just to leave them until they have finished producing beans.

of course,you are lucky you are doing so well.They do as time goes on get tougher and these you can use for seeds next year. You will need to grow them in a different spot next year.with the produce you can share and barter or freeze or put them in vinegar (very nice).beans are on the whole easy to grow .good luck your doing well!

flowering rose, you do not have to grow them in a different position next year, indeed it is beneficial to keep to the same trench. Just add manure or of course, compost, as you dig the plot over when the beans have finished for the season.

Runner beans are also called seven year beans in the US as they are a perennial plant. They are probably too tender to survive the Winter in the UK unless well protected though. You should find a good strong root system when you dig them up at the end of the season.

If you leave some beans to mature they will give you lovely large fresh beans which you can freeze, just wait until you can see the swollen beans inside the pods. If you have enough time and good weather let the pods dry out on the vine for dry beans which can be stored in a jar.